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In many schools, a teacher’s salary can increase based on taking classes and earning an advanced degrees. Teachers should study and understand the contract so they can take advantages of opportunities. The biggest opportunity is to earn more money doing the exact same job.
Many school systems will pay for some or all of graduate classes and programs. Others may only pay for one class per calendar year. If there are free classes available that will allow you to change lanes on a pay scale, we STRONGLY encourage teachers to take advantage of this perk in a contract.
“There is no such thing as a free lunch.” This is a famous adage that encourages people to truly understand the costs of something labeled as free. Let’s look closely at what a “free” class costs.
Time is money: A free class usually requires no payment, however, in some cases a textbook might need to be purchased. A graduate level class will require time. Each individual teacher must determine if he/she will have the time required to complete a class. We know the many commitments of teaching on a person’s time, but if a teacher can earn more money doing the job, it makes sense to find the time.
The goal is to get a little bit closer to the next pay increase.
Since Covid, there are many different ways to acquire and take classes. Many online classes are asynchronous. Other classes are an intensive weeklong summer class. Others are offered over several weeks all year round. Another attractive option could be a program that allows a teacher to earn a degree in 12 – 18 months. A teacher should ask colleagues, talk with school administrators, and do research on-line to find the best fit. After reviewing these options, select the one that works best for you now. This type of class may not be what works for you next year. Don’t worry about it, just get the 1st class under your belt. The first class is the hardest.
Some teachers may say, but I don’t get a pay increase until after I take five classes. This is true. Complete the first class and now there is only four classes until the pay increase. If you are going to commit to teaching as your career, it is common sense to get paid as much as possible, as soon as possible.
The other expense to taking a class is the opportunity cost. Could you be a class advisor, a coach, or work a part-time job? These are all valid questions that will impact the teacher differently.
But we do strongly recommend the teachers take as many free classes as possible, as often as possible until you reach your top step. Then simply take the number of classes you need to maintain your certification.